Apr 1, 2026
Frome Chamber of Commerce hosted a business networking breakfast at the Cheese and Grain on Thursday 19th March with guest speakers from Mayday Saxonvale (Mayday), exploring where local businesses sit within a growing town and changing economy.
The significant development planned and underway across Frome raises important questions:
- How do we protect and prioritise business growth, employment space and long-term economic activity alongside housing and other uses?
- How can local business owners have a stronger voice in shaping the economic future of their town, and greater influence over how long-term value is created and retained locally?
- What does it take to keep businesses, talent and investment rooted in Frome long-term?
Peter Quintana, Chair of Frome Chamber, gave each table one of these questions to discuss over breakfast. Attendees were asked to focus on strategies and considerations for fostering economic growth, community development, and business sustainability in Frome, and note down the key points raised from their discussion. The following key themes emerged.
1. Protecting and Enabling Long‑Term Economic Activity
A dominant theme was the need to protect the “middle ground” of employment space – affordable offices, workshops, and flexible commercial premises that allow businesses to start, grow and stay in Frome. There was widespread concern that commercial space is easier to convert to housing, creating a structural imbalance that undermines long-term economic resilience. Participants emphasised the importance of certainty of tenure, predictable planning outcomes, and affordable rents to give businesses confidence to invest.
There was also a strong desire for workspace in or near the town centre, which would increase weekday footfall and support the high street economy, alongside spaces that allow businesses to “grow into” rather than be displaced as they scale.
2. Infrastructure, Transport and Accessibility as Economic Enablers
Transport and accessibility emerged repeatedly as critical barriers and opportunities. Issues include unreliable train services, poor bus connectivity, weak links between industrial estates and the town centre, and insufficient or poorly priced parking for workers and customers. The idea of a connected transport hub (linking bus and rail) and a 15‑minute town reflects a desire to make Frome easier to work in, not just visit.
Safe streets, good lighting, accessible public services, and practical amenities (banks, post office, healthcare) were seen as essential foundations for a functioning business ecosystem rather than “nice-to-haves”.
3. Skills, Talent and Education Pathways
Another significant theme was the leakage of young talent, driven by limited local education pathways, weak visibility of career opportunities, and a perception that progression requires leaving for larger cities. Contributors highlighted gaps in FE/HE provision, apprenticeships, work experience, and school–business links.
There was strong appetite for closer collaboration between businesses, schools, colleges and councils to create visible pathways from education into local employment, supported by affordable housing and a lifestyle that appeals to 18–30-year-olds.
4. Voice, Representation and Coordination
Many points relate to the fragmentation of voice across planning, councils, developers and businesses. Businesses want clearer understanding of who decides what, earlier engagement in planning decisions, and a more proactive role for Frome Chamber in representing both members and non‑members.
Ideas include sector groups, audits of business needs, better data on why businesses fail, and using shared platforms (events, podcasts, local channels) to articulate a coherent, evidence‑based economic narrative for Frome.
5. Place, Identity and Differentiation
Finally, there is a strong sense that Frome’s future depends on being intentional about what makes it distinctive – its independent businesses, community culture, quality of environment, and values-led approach to growth. Participants stressed the importance of attracting the right investment, supporting first movers, avoiding duplication, and nurturing sectors where Frome can genuinely stand out (e.g. creative, digital, niche manufacturing, hospitality).
Community strength is seen not just as social capital, but as an economic asset that attracts talent, investment and visitors.
Key Recommendations
1. Protect and Plan for Employment Space
- Introduce stronger safeguards against loss of commercial space to residential use
- Prioritise affordable, flexible workspace with security of tenure
- Plan explicitly for “grow‑on” space for scaling businesses
2. Put Business Needs at the Heart of Infrastructure Decisions
- Improve transport reliability and town–estate connectivity
- Review parking provision, pricing and season tickets for workers
- Treat accessibility, safety and basic services as economic infrastructure
3. Build Clear Local Talent Pathways
- Strengthen links between businesses, schools, FE/HE and training providers
- Expand apprenticeships, work experience and employer-led education pathways
- Align housing, transport and lifestyle offer to retain younger workers
4. Create a Unified, Evidence‑Based Business Voice
- Empower Frome Chamber to act as a convenor and advocate for the whole business community
- Regularly audit business needs and future space requirements
- Improve transparency around planning, decision-making and business churn
5. Be Intentional About Frome’s Economic Identity
- Define and promote sectors where Frome has genuine competitive advantage
- Support first movers and independents through targeted incentives
- Attract investment that delivers growth while preserving local values
With the forthcoming work on a new Growth Strategy for Frome imminent, the results gathered from this event could not be more timely.
Apr 3, 2025
Frome Chamber hosted a highly engaging business breakfast on Friday 21st March at the Cheese and Grain, bringing together 30 local business leaders to discuss pressing regional economic challenges with guest speaker Anna Sabine, MP. The meeting provided a platform for candid discussions on social housing, infrastructure, skills shortages, and national insurance increases, offering businesses an opportunity to voice their concerns and explore collaborative solutions.
Somerset Councillors Dawn Denton and Theo Butt-Philip, along with David Crew from the Somerset Chamber, were also in attendance, further enriching the discussion.
Curtis Bartlett of Bartlett Bid Management
A Warm Welcome and Setting the Stage
The session began with a welcome from the Frome Chamber. Curtis Bartlett from BBM, the event sponsor, provided a brief but insightful introduction to his Bid Management company, outlining its role in supporting businesses in securing contracts and enhancing competitiveness.
Peter Quintana then introduced Anna Sabine, who gave a short introduction to herself, her areas of interest, and where she is focussing her time as our MP, highlighting the importance of constructive engagement between policymakers and the business community.
Key Topics of Discussion
Social Housing and Business Challenges
Concerns were raised about the impact of social housing on the local workforce and economy. The discussion emphasized the need for businesses to work together to develop sustainable solutions that balance housing needs with economic growth.
Infrastructure Development
From broadband accessibility to road networks, infrastructure issues were a major topic of debate. The significance of robust infrastructure to support growing industries such as tech, engineering, and construction was underscored, with calls for greater investment in regional development initiatives.
Apprenticeships, Skills Gaps, and Workforce Shortages
A recurring theme was the shortage of skilled workers, particularly in technical fields. Attendees expressed concerns about large corporations attracting talent away from SMEs, making it difficult for smaller enterprises to compete. The conversation also highlighted the necessity of stronger collaboration between businesses, schools, and enterprise advisers to improve apprenticeship opportunities and career pathways.
National Insurance (NI) Increases and Business Sustainability
The rising cost of NI was another key concern, with Anna Sabine citing Dorothy House as an example of how increased contributions are straining critical care services. The broader implications for SMEs and business sustainability were discussed, with calls for government intervention to mitigate these financial pressures.
Moving Forward: Actionable Steps
To address these challenges, several action points were identified:
• Strengthening Business-School Engagement: Establishing a platform to facilitate better communication and collaboration between businesses and educational institutions.
• Gathering Business Insights: Anna Sabine is actively campaigning and collecting evidence from business owners to support efforts in addressing skills shortages and apprenticeship challenges.
• Enhancing Enterprise Advisory Links: Investigating ways to better connect local chambers with enterprise advisers to streamline school-to-business pathways.
Anna Sabine MP
Support and Advocacy from Anna Sabine MP
Anna Sabine reaffirmed her commitment to supporting businesses by:
- Lobbying ministers on key issues affecting local businesses.
- Hosting regular events to foster discussions and drive policy improvements.
- Advocating for changes in government policy where necessary.
- Offering guidance on funding opportunities and planning applications.
- Establishing the Business MP Club – Better Business Breakfast, a quarterly networking event to maintain momentum in business advocacy and collaboration.
Conclusion
The discussion underscored the power of open dialogue between business leaders and policymakers. With pressing concerns around infrastructure, workforce shortages, and financial burdens, proactive engagement remains critical. Anna Sabine’s commitment to advocating for businesses offers a hopeful path forward, ensuring that local enterprises continue to thrive in a challenging economic landscape.
To keep up to date with chamber news and future events sign up to our mailing list or become a member today!
Mar 31, 2025
The winners of the 2025 Somerset Business Awards were announced at a gala dinner and presentation evening at the Winter Gardens Pavilion, in Weston-super-Mare, on Friday (March 28).
Nearly 400 business people from across Somerset attended the event, which was organised by Somerset Chamber of Commerce and hosted by Global and Heart FM broadcast journalist, Cormac MacMahon.
This year marked the 20th anniversary of the awards and the 15th year the awards had been supported by main sponsor Albert Goodman.
Somerset Chamber Managing Director, David Crew, said every finalist should feel justifiably proud of their achievements: “Every year the awards recognise and honour the achievements of our vibrant business community.
“The economic situation may be challenging, but Somerset’s business community had again shown resilience and excellence across all sectors.
“Somerset Chamber of Commerce is proud to organise the awards annually. They are the biggest of their kind in the county and I must thank everyone who supports the awards every year – from our entrants to our judges and sponsors.”
The 2025 winners came from Taunton, Wiveliscombe, Barrington, Roadwater, Clutton, Shepton Mallet, Merriott, Wellington, Yeovil, Wells, Bridgwater, Bleadon and Langport.
The Somerset Business Awards 2025 media sponsors were Newsquest and the Somerset County Gazette Series and Global.
For a full list of nominees and winners click here.
Oct 18, 2024
Our Autumn network breakfast at River House at Black Swan Arts yesterday was buzzing!
A hearty breakfast, and very entertaining talk by Tim Fussell from Fussels Fine Foods about three stage filtration, and an opportunity to meet some fantastic businesses. What better way to start the day!
We have two more events planned for this year: a Mastermind at Still Sisters on November 12th, and our AGM, which this year will be Palmer Street Bottle on December 5th. Members and non-members welcome!
Keep an eye on our Events page for future events and opportunities to engage with us!
Jul 20, 2024
On 11th July we hosted a relaxed early evening networking event at chamber members, Lilley’s Cider. It was fantastic to get local businesses together at the premises on Bunns Lane for a behind the scenes experience.
We extend a huge thank you to Lilley’s Cider and particularly Chris Lilley for hosting our networking evening. The factory tour and cider tastings were excellent. Thank you for your generous hospitality and thank you to those who supported the event.
Apr 10, 2024
The brilliantly successful Frome College Mock Interview event is running again this June and the careers team are reaching out to local employers to take part.
This process supports year 10 students and provides an insight to the world of work and the interview experience.
The college are looking to host interviewers that can work in pairs to interview the Year 10 cohort which are 14 and 15-year-olds.
The mock interviews will run on two days, Monday 17th June and Tuesday 18th June 2024, should you like to attend, in pairs you will interview the students for 30 minutes each.
You will be required to arrive at reception for 8:45am, for interviews to commence from 9:15am-3:15pm. Lunch and refreshments will be provided, if any dietary requirements are required please contact the team at nextsteps@fromecollege.org. If you are able to take part or would like more information please get in touch with Louise at Frome College, LCamacho@fromecollege.org.
Feb 14, 2024
The finalists have been announced for this year’s prestigious Somerset Business Awards 2024. The awards are run annually by Somerset Chamber of Commerce and the 2024 finalists come from all corners of the county. The grand final will be hosted by Global broadcast journalist Cormac MacMahon at the Winter Gardens Pavilion, in Weston-super-Mare, on March 22, 2024. Huge congratulations to Frome Chamber members Netitude who are finalists in two categories: Medium Business of the Year and Employer of the Year!
Feb 10, 2024
The committee are busily planning a programme of events to bring together local businesses in 2024 including networking breakfasts, events specifically for sole traders and training. We kick started with a brilliant Mastermind event.
A Mastermind is a group session giving an opportunity for one person (normally) to share a problem and receive the benefit of guidance from the group. The session is facilitated, as there is a formal process that should be followed to get best value. Often some or all the people in the group have the same issue as the focus person, so the value of the shared clarification and ideas benefits all members of the group.
On 8 February we ran our first Mastermind evening, kindly hosted by Dan Jeffrey at Howden and expertly facilitated by Peter Quintana of hgkc. On what was a rather wet and wild night we were thrilled to see a packed room of local business people come together to share and discuss current business challenges. Thank you to those who participated, we hope you enjoyed the evening and we look forward to running the next one later in the spring.
Nov 30, 2023
Reacting to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “We are pleased the Chancellor has listened to our calls to help businesses deal with the current economic challenges. Our Chamber network called on Jeremy Hunt to offer ‘much needed solutions to Britain’s investment problem’.
“Today’s statement provided some welcome remedies at a time when businesses of all sizes need certainty and security from the Government in the difficult months ahead.
“The decision to make full expensing permanent will be a boost to companies wanting to invest. Our research shows that 34% of businesses have already benefited from the policy, rising to 47% for manufacturers.
“We have long called for the electricity grid to be upgraded to help companies transition to net-zero. In our recent net-zero survey, more than a third (37%) of businesses told us they were not getting what they needed from the grid, in terms of energy supply and connectivity. If we can we reduce grid connection times it will make a big difference.
“We welcome the planning reforms and investment announced by the Chancellor today to help tackle this huge infrastructure problem. Businesses trying to invest in a low carbon future will now be looking for a speedier path to grid connection.
“Smaller firms will be relieved to see a package of measures that alleviate the cashflow problems they face, such as continued business rates relief for hospitality, retail and leisure, and new rules to help them get paid on time.
“The Government’s plans to support people back into work have the potential to help grow the economy. There are just under a million unfilled vacancies in the UK and three quarters of businesses tell us they cannot get the staff they need. Plans to support people suffering ill health could make a real difference, but there must be a focus on getting them into work that matches their capabilities and potential.
“Business investment is the lifeblood of local economies, creating jobs and supporting public services. The Chancellor has today taken a step in the right direction, but nothing can be taken for granted and we must all continue to focus on encouraging companies to grow.”
Oct 6, 2023
The ‘Go Green Scheme’ and a Somerset Green Business Grant Scheme are being introduced by Somerset Council this October. ‘Go Green’ will help eligible Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to understand their energy consumption and show how it can be reduced.
The scheme offers free energy audits and support to develop individual, costed and prioritised sustainability plans. For SMEs with sustainability plans in place, the Somerset Green Business Grant Scheme may provide financial assistance.
Grants can be capital and/or revenue and fund up to 50% of total eligible project costs, with the remainder funded by the applicant. The grant scheme is now open for applications for activity and expenditure which must be completed by end of March 2024. The deadline for submission is 31 October. Somerset Green Business Grants
Does the size of my business make a difference?
Somerset Green Business Grants are available to support Somerset micro and SME businesses – up to 250 employees – to take forward measures to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
How much funding is available?
Grants of between £2,500 and £25,000 are available. The grant can fund up to 50 percent of total eligible project costs, with the remainder funded by the applicant. Grants can be capital or revenue. This grant scheme is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
What are the key milestone dates?
• The closing date for full applications is 31 October 2023.
• Decisions and funding agreements are expected to be in place by the end of November 2023.
• Projects will need to be completed within the financial year, by 31 March 2024.
The grant application process is in 2 stages, an initial Eligibility Check followed by a Full Application with supporting evidence, including an externally endorsed Plan that should include a carbon and energy baseline and actions to reduce carbon emissions.
What will the grant money be able to cover?
The grant scheme provides funding to businesses to:
• increase energy efficiencies and reduce energy costs
• decarbonise business practice, process and supply chains
• the ‘greening’ of work practices and staff behavioural and cultural change.
Examples of eligible activity include, but are not limited to:
• LED lighting and lighting controls
• Boilers, heating plant, equipment and batteries (power generation)
• Heating and cooling controls
• Specialist energy efficient equipment (for example, manufacturing tools)
• Increased energy efficient equipment (for example, refrigeration)
• Heat recovery systems
• Solar installations, wind turbine, heat pumps
• Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure, that is, charging points, batteries, forklifts, lifting machinery
• Smart Energy Monitoring Systems
• Associated upskilling and greenskilling of new or existing staff.
Staff costs and EV’s are not eligible under this funding scheme.
If you would like to discuss a potential project, please email: greenbusinesssupport@somerset.gov.uk
Moving Forward: Actionable Steps
